Herbert Sellars facts for kids

Lieutenant Herbert Whiteley Sellars (born June 11, 1896 – died May 15, 1918) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Herbert Sellars achieved eight aerial victories in total. A famous moment was on March 21, 1918, when he shot down a German ace pilot named Ludwig Hanstein.

Early Life and Training

Herbert Sellars was born in Liverpool, England. He was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sellars. He went to school at The Leas in Hoylake and then at the Loretto School in Musselburgh, Scotland. He was planning to go to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge for university.

In December 1915, Herbert started learning to fly. He trained at the Beatty School at Hendon Aerodrome. By May 10, 1916, he earned his pilot's license, called the Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate No. 2852. He learned to fly using a Caudron biplane.

Joining the Royal Flying Corps

Herbert Sellars officially joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) on June 3, 1916. He started as a second lieutenant. By July 20, he became a flying officer. His rank was confirmed on August 17. Later, on July 1, 1917, he was promoted to lieutenant.

Aerial Victories

Sellars first served in No. 25 Squadron. He flew the two-seater F.E.2b plane. This plane was used for fighting and looking for enemy positions. Later, he flew the Airco DH.4 for longer trips and bombing missions.

He then moved to No. 11 Squadron. Here, he flew the Bristol F.2 two-seater fighter. His observer and gunner was Lieutenant Charles Crichton Robson. Together, they achieved their first victory on March 12, 1918. They shot down an LVG reconnaissance plane over Doignes, which caught fire.

The next day, March 13, they forced an Albatros D.V plane to crash near Oisy. They shot down another Albatros over Rumilly on March 15. A third Albatros was shot down north of St. Quentin on March 18.

On March 21, they destroyed two more Albatros planes during a dogfight over Morchies. One of these planes was flown by the German ace pilot, Leutnant Ludwig Hanstein.

Formation of the RAF

On April 1, 1918, a big change happened. The Army's Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service joined together. They formed a new military branch called the Royal Air Force (RAF).

The very next day, April 2, Sellars and Robson continued their missions. They forced a Fokker Dr.I plane to crash south-east of Albert.

Their eighth and final victory happened on May 15. They helped shoot down another Fokker Dr.I over Mametz. Captain John Vincent Aspinall and Lieutenant de la Cour also helped in this victory.

Final Mission and Legacy

Soon after their last victory, Sellars and Robson were reported missing. Their plane had been shot down. Sadly, Herbert Sellars was killed. However, Lieutenant Robson survived and was taken as a prisoner of war. It is believed they were shot down by a German pilot named Vizefeldwebel Josef Mai.

Herbert Sellars does not have a known grave. He is remembered at the Arras Flying Services Memorial in France.

Military Cross Award

Herbert Sellars was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery. This award was announced after his death on June 21, 1918.

The award citation praised his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." It mentioned how he attacked an enemy plane, which then crashed. He also fought three enemy scout planes. His observer fired at one, causing it to crash in flames. The citation highlighted his great skill and bravery during these missions.